Port information & tips for Pico Island (Azores)
Pico is the impressive volcanic island of the Azores and fascinates with the majestic peak of Ponta do Pico as well as its untouched nature. The port in Madalena impresses with its picturesque location on the Atlantic and offers an unmistakable maritime flair thanks to the striking black lava rocks. Top sights include the UNESCO World Heritage vineyard landscape of Criação Velha, the informative Museu do Vinho, and the historic church of Santa Maria Madalena. Ships dock directly at the central pier Cais da Madalena, allowing guests to comfortably reach the charming town center with its traditional houses and cozy restaurants on foot in just a few minutes.
The island of Pico, part of the Atlantic archipelago of the Azores, is a fascinating destination that is ideal for cruises. Arrival typically takes place by plane, followed by transfers or ferry connections, as the island itself has no direct highways for long-distance travel from the DACH region. The main port of call for passenger ships on Pico is Madalena, whose harbor is well integrated into the island's infrastructure.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Aeroporto do Pico (PIX), located only about 10 kilometers from the port city of Madalena. Direct flights from the DACH region to Pico are generally not available; instead, travelers usually fly via Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO) to the larger Azorean islands such as São Miguel (PDL) or Faial (HORT), from where connecting flights or ferries to Pico exist. Another important airport is Horta (HORT) on the neighboring island of Faial, which is very well connected to Madalena by regular ferry services.
Ferry
For arrival from neighboring islands, the ferry is the most important means of transport. In particular, from Horta on Faial, there are numerous daily ferry connections to Madalena on Pico, which take only about 30 minutes and offer a picturesque crossing. Ferry connections are also available from São Roque on Pico or from São Jorge, operated by Atlânticoline. These connections are especially useful if you land on one of the larger islands and wish to explore the unique island landscape even before embarkation.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the necessary stopovers and the island location of the Azores, arriving at least one day before the planned embarkation on Pico is recommended. This allows for a relaxed arrival to buffer unforeseen travel delays and to enjoy the beauty of the island in peace. In Madalena and the surrounding area, there are various charming hotels and guest houses that offer an ideal starting point for initial explorations and enable a stress-free transfer to the cruise ship. Many accommodations are well connected to the port, and local taxi services are available for short transfers.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will typically receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
The island of Pico, part of the Atlantic archipelago of the Azores, is a fascinating destination that is ideal for cruises. Arrival typically takes place by plane, followed by transfers or ferry connections, as the island itself has no direct highways for long-distance travel from the DACH region. The main port of call for passenger ships on Pico is Madalena, whose harbor is well integrated into the island's infrastructure.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Aeroporto do Pico (PIX), located only about 10 kilometers from the port city of Madalena. Direct flights from the DACH region to Pico are generally not available; instead, travelers usually fly via Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO) to the larger Azorean islands such as São Miguel (PDL) or Faial (HORT), from where connecting flights or ferries to Pico exist. Another important airport is Horta (HORT) on the neighboring island of Faial, which is very well connected to Madalena by regular ferry services.
Ferry
For arrival from neighboring islands, the ferry is the most important means of transport. In particular, from Horta on Faial, there are numerous daily ferry connections to Madalena on Pico, which take only about 30 minutes and offer a picturesque crossing. Ferry connections are also available from São Roque on Pico or from São Jorge, operated by Atlânticoline. These connections are especially useful if you land on one of the larger islands and wish to explore the unique island landscape even before embarkation.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the necessary stopovers and the island location of the Azores, arriving at least one day before the planned embarkation on Pico is recommended. This allows for a relaxed arrival to buffer unforeseen travel delays and to enjoy the beauty of the island in peace. In Madalena and the surrounding area, there are various charming hotels and guest houses that offer an ideal starting point for initial explorations and enable a stress-free transfer to the cruise ship. Many accommodations are well connected to the port, and local taxi services are available for short transfers.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will typically receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Madalena is located right in the heart of the island's capital and allows travelers an easy start to their shore excursion. Thanks to its central location, the city's most important points of interest as well as onward transportation are within easy reach.
On Foot
The charming city center of Madalena can be reached in just a few minutes' walk directly from the terminal. A short stroll also leads to the famous UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, which directly border the town.
Taxi and Rental Car
Official taxis are available at the port exit as well as at the ferry terminal and offer comfortable rides to the sights in the island's interior. In addition, local rental car stations are located in the immediate vicinity, allowing for flexible exploration of the volcanic landscape.
Atlanticoline Ferries
The ferry terminal is located immediately next to the cruise pier and connects Pico several times a day with the neighboring island of Faial. The crossing with the Atlanticoline ships takes about 30 minutes and simultaneously offers a wonderful view of Mount Pico from the sea.
To experience the fascinating volcanic island of Pico in all its glory, we recommend a combination of the UNESCO-protected wine culture near the harbor and the cultural highlights along the picturesque coastal road.
Madalena & UNESCO Wine Landscape
The lively port town welcomes visitors with its characteristic lava stone buildings and also offers the perfect introduction to the world's unique wine landscape, which, thanks to its direct location at the terminal, can be easily explored on foot or during a short tour.
Lajes do Pico
This historic district is considered the cultural heart of the island and houses the impressive Whaling Museum. Additionally, the picturesque bay invites you to take a relaxed stroll and offers fantastic photo opportunities of traditional Azorean architecture against the backdrop of the volcano.
Criação Velha
This picturesque area impresses with its iconic red windmill and protected natural sea pools. Thanks to its proximity to the center, it is ideal for guests who wish to combine volcanic nature with a tasting of the famous local wines.
UNESCO Viticulture in Criação Velha
The unique wine-growing landscape of Criação Velha is located only about ten minutes by car from the port in Madalena and offers you the perfect combination of impressive nature and fascinating history. Thanks to the striking black lava stone walls, which protect the vines from the sea wind, you can experience a worldwide unique UNESCO World Heritage site directly on the Atlantic. The well-developed hiking trail also leads you past the iconic red windmill Moinho do Frade, which is an ideal photo motif and allows for wide views of the sea as well as the majestic volcano mountain Pico. It is best to visit this cultural highlight directly in the morning to enjoy the special atmosphere of the black volcanic landscape in peace, and plan a wine tasting in the Cooperativa Vitivinícola near the harbor afterwards, before returning relaxed to the ship about ninety minutes before departure.
The return to the harbor of Madalena is extremely relaxed and safe thanks to its central location and manageable distances.
Taxi
Central taxi stands are located at Largo Cardeal Costa Nunes, in direct proximity to the church, as well as in front of Hotel Caravelas opposite the harbor entrance. Drivers at the island airport or at the Gruta das Torres lava caves will reliably take you directly back to the ship and can be easily reserved in advance for a punctual pickup.
Local Bus Service
The buses on Pico Island serve the Terminal Marítimo and thus stop directly at the Madalena harbor grounds. This connection allows for an easy return journey from the surrounding villages and also offers a beautiful view of the protected vineyard regions during the drive to the pier.
On Foot
From the town center of Madalena or the Wine Museum, you can walk directly back to the berth in just a few minutes and enjoy the sea breeze. Thanks to the flat coastal paths, the route is pleasant to walk and provides ideal orientation for a timely check-in due to the direct view of the harbor basin.
